The City of Manila is fully prepared to secure this year’s Traslacion, which is expected to be attended by millions of devotees of Jesus Nazareno, the local government said on Wednesday.
With a comprehensive coordination with various agencies, the local government is ensuring a safe, orderly, and reverent celebration.
The preparations have been designed to address the event’s logistical, security, and public health needs, as well as ensure the solemnity of the procession.
The Manila Department of Public Services (DPS), in collaboration with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), kicked off last Jan. 3 its extensive clearing operations along the Traslacion route.
These efforts include continuous street cleaning, bundling of cables, and the removal of unnecessary tarpaulins and other visual obstructions.
This is part of the city’s commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment for the millions of attendees.
The City Health Department is reinforcing public health protocols due to the ongoing global health challenges.
All devotees who will participate in the activities of Quiapo Church are encouraged to wear face masks and use hand sanitizers to reduce the risk of infections during the large gathering.
Several health teams will be stationed throughout key areas to respond to any medical emergencies and to ensure the well-being of the public.
The city government said the security will be a top priority for the Traslacion 2025, deploying over 12,000 personnel from the Manila Police District (MPD), the Philippine National Police (PNP) – National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), and nearby police regional offices (PRO 4A, PRO 3).
Deployment of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) will increase the total number of personnel to approximately 14,500.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) also deployed 850 personnel around the Quirino Grandstand, equipped with a mobile command center, three movable cameras, and 25 body cameras for maintaining order, monitoring the crowd, and responding quickly to any situations that may arise.
Clearing operations will begin as soon as the image of the Jesus Nazareno leaves the Quirino Grandstand, ensuring that roads remain clear for the procession.
The City of Manila has implemented a gun ban from January 8 to 11.
A liquor ban will also be enforced in the barangays surrounding Quiapo from January 8 to 10.
These measures aim to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the safety of both the devotees and the public during the event.
To ensure the smooth and safe movement of the devotees, roads along the Traslacion route will be closed starting 9 p.m. on January 8.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan urged the devotees to cooperate fully with the authorities and adhere to the safety protocols.
“We call on all devotees to work together and observe the necessary precautions to make this year’s Traslacion a successful and solemn event,” said Mayor Lacuna-Pangan. (Diann Ivy Calucin)
